PJ Nunn
I was browsing some professional journals the other day and came across something that bears repeating in Forbes (for the life of me, I’m not sure why I find some of these things in Forbes but it keeps happening so go figure). It was an article about how to maintain a professional appearance in the office, but combined with some other information about book signing events and speaking engagements that I’d been going over, it seemed to translate fairly well.
Here are a few hints for those of us (and yes, I am one) who would like to think casual appearances are adequate for speaking to writers groups and book signing events. I’m paying attention. Experts say most first impressions are formed within 4 minutes. Once established, those first impressions can take years to overcome.
Women:
DO wear lipstick. While it might seem overkill for appearing in situations in which many of the attendees look like they’ve just been to the Laundromat, or at the very least have spent the day shopping, but you’re supposed to be their ideal, not their equal. Even a bold red can be suitable in the daytime if eye and cheek colors are neutral. "With a neutral eye, matte skin and a touch of blush, red lipstick can look phenomenal for day," says makeup artist Napoleon Perdis.
If red isn’t your shade, pick something that complements your skin tone and wardrobe. Use a liner and lipstick to give almost any outfit a more finished and professional look.
DON’T let your roots show. Your hair doesn’t have to be professionally styled for a Friday night booksigning event, but it should look like you care what it looks like. If you find your budget won’t accommodate a full touchup at the moment, there are plenty of retouching kits sold at salons and beauty supply stores. Even Avon has a mascara-like wand for quick touchups.
DO dress for the occasion. Don’t go black tie if your guests will be wearing jeans and t-shirts but try to know your audience and make sure you’re dressed in a similar manner to the best dressed person in attendance. I realize that can be hard to anticipate, but usually a nice knit outfit with appropriate jewelry will do the job. Unless you’re going to a BBQ hosted outside, overdressed is almost always better than underdressed.
DON’T make disparaging remarks about yourself or your outfit, makeup, etc. if you feel there’s a discrepancy. Always strive to behave as if you’re completely comfortable with your appearance and others will follow suit.
Men:
DO follow the above guidelines for selecting your mode of dress. Keep in mind that in many book selling venues, a majority of those who are listening to you will be women. Was it ZZ Top who said “Every girl’s crazy bout a sharp dressed man”? They were right. By the same token, few will be impressed by you, author or not, dressed in sandals, socks and bermudas. Nuff said?
DON’T wear makeup unless it’s very minimally applied, but do make sure your hair is trimmed neatly (including any hair that might be creeping out of ears and nostrils).
DO practice manners. It seems like something that goes without saying, but judging from the feedback I get from those who sponsor events like these, it apparently should be broadcast far and wide. Nobody wants a flirt, but a man who can be charming and exercises good manners without crossing the line into chauvinistic behaviors is likely to sell a bunch of books.
It seems like this is all very simple information that we all know, but like I said. I’ve had too many reports of authors showing up in all kinds of attire, with all kinds of attitudes and they made first impressions all right, but I doubt it was the kind of first impression they wanted to make. And unfortunately that impression lingers long after they’re gone.
What kinds of ideas do you have for making the right kind of first impression?
